Birdy, the 18-year-old singer from Hampshire, England, has been on our radar for a while now. We featured the talented chick in our April/May 2014 issue and even recently
did a Q & A with the rising star (read it here!).

You may be familiar with some of the tunes she contributed
to The Fault in Our Stars soundtrack,
like “Best Shot” and “Tee Shirt,” and her newest release is packed with even
more original songs for fans to look forward to.

Birdy is finishing up her run across America with Christina Perri
on the Head or Heart Tour and will soon be performing at summer music festival
across the globe. You can pick up The Fire Withinwhen it’s released in the U.S. June 3. Undecided about picking up this gal’s album? Read on for our
in-depth review of each track.

“Skinny Love”

Birdy’s cover of Bon Iver’s Grammy-winning song has been on
our playlists for some time now, but we’re still not over how completely
magical it is. This tune is the perfect way to showcase the singer’s awe
inspiring vocal range. Plus, it perfectly eases listeners’ ears into a full
length stocked with the singer’s own tunes.

“Wings”

The video for this tune is still completely fanciful. As the debut single from the album, Birdy definitely drew in audiences with her raw and undeniable talent. And if you think this song has touches of OneRepublic in it, that’s because 1R singer and Grammy-winning producer Ryan Tedder produced the track.

“Heart of Gold”

Here’s where the uncharted territory comes in. Birdy adds
some truly eclectic elements into her usual piano-based fodder. Vocally, her
dramatic and emotionally charged moments remind us so much of another Brit songstress—Adele—and
she utilizes synth to create depth and drama.

“Light Me Up"

This next track possess a certain momentum that we’re pretty much infatuated with. By kicking off her album with the familiarity of “Skinny Love,” Birdy took us completely by surprise with this tune. She sings powerfully about having a certain someone there to lift you up, or light you up, when you’re not at your
best. We all need someone like that, don’t we?

“Words as Weapons”

The steady drumbeat and traveling guitar in this tune, also
her latest single, are what captivated us right away. There’s on old saying
that goes, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”
And there’s a definite strength that comes with not letting the words of others
get under your skin, which is something Birdy has figured out at a young age. Her
weapon? Not shedding a single tear.

Watch the music video
for “Words as Weapons” below…

“All You Never Say”

Being in limbo with a crush or your sweetie is the absolute
worst. Clearly, Birdy understands that firsthand. Her voice sounds almost on
the edge of tears as she sings about a love that just wouldn’t commit to her. She
lyrically admits, “If only I could look into your mind.” What we wouldn’t give
for some mindreading powers when it comes to romance…

“Strange Birds”

She truly uses her nickname “Birdy” to her advantage here by
singing about flying and “wounded wings.” Things get majorly amped up in this
song, too. Heavy strings crossed with theatric piano and intensely layered vocals
that are reminiscent of Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love” live
make us love this song that much more.

“Maybe”

The entire album becomes a so much lighter with this track—as
if all the weight was suddenly lifted off of Birdy’s shoulders. Acoustic
guitars and subtle shakers fuel the song and create its steady tempo. The word “maybe”
carries a lot of hope, don’tcha think? Whether it’s landing your first job,
making the soccer team or acing your final exams, you should believe it’s
possible. Birdy would know. She’s a totally talented 18-year-old who has been
writing her own music since the young age of 8, after all.

“No Angel”

The mood dips back down on this track but we totally love it
nonetheless. Inevitably, sometimes we hurt the ones who are important to us and
they’re not the only ones who suffer. In turn, everyone usually ends up feeling
the blow, which is what Birdy describes on this tune. This song also has a
certain subtle epic nature that we believe would be just perfect for a movie
soundtrack (John Green’s next flick perhaps?).

“All About You”

In this tune, Birdy sings to someone that she cares deeply
about, but they just don’t understand it. We’re totally digging the electric
guitar that creeps in during the bridge, too. It intensifies the sentiment that
Birdy is explaining: you don’t have to be alone, but one can only do so much
when they’re completely being pushing you away.

“Standing in the Way
of the Light”

Love is a common theme on The Fire Within and this tune is no exception. Again we are treated
to Birdy’s captivatingly impressive vocal range and one-of-a-kind lyrics. The
bass and drums build up to the powerful chorus where Birdy showcases a little
more falsetto than she has on previous tracks.

“Shine”

It’s obvious that Birdy is all about light and illumination.
The keys are her friend again on this track and she keeps it simple by pairing
it with her airy and angelic voice. She sings, “If your heart tells you to then
who are you to question it?” That message is as old as time: follow your heart,
girl.

“People Help the
People”

In her final track, Birdy lets the musical instruments take
primary importance. The lyrics take a strong hold on your heart, but their
simplicity makes them easy to keep them there. The bridge is mostly instrumental,
accompanied only by Birdy’s ad-libbed vocals. And if you’re a total music nerd
(like us!) then this song probably reminds you of The Beatles.

GL girls, are you pumped to hear Birdy’s first full length The Fire Withinwhen it’s released in the U.S. on June 3? Share in the comments below.